A miniature horse named McGillicuddy has been sworn in as the Quarryville, Pennsylvania, Police Department’s newest member.
Quarryville Mayor Anthony Cavallaro swore in the 2 ½-foot tall, 330-pound miniature horse on August 2. The horse will assume the role of department “community relations specialist.”
During the ceremony, the small horse was even wearing a custom-fitted blue uniform with a police cap.
The mayor said that Officer McGillicuddy would be responsible for cultivating positive relationships between the police and community members.
“I am all about community policing, and this is how to break that barrier between the police and community,” said Cavallaro.
Cavallaro said that Officer McGillicuddy volunteers at Quarryville Police Foundation events in exchange for treats. When he’s not on duty, he belongs to 6-year-old Maddie, the niece of Quarryville Police Foundation board member Kirklyn Groves.
While the horse doesn’t take rides, he does enjoy being petted.
“Although he does not give pony rides while on duty, he always welcomes hugs from the kids,” Cavallaro said.
“The kids love it, and that is really what this is all about,” he continued.
The Quarryville Police Foundation is a nonprofit that raises funds to provide the police department with equipment and training that taxpayer dollars cannot afford.
“We raise funds for officer training, equipment and technology upgrades to help our police function more efficiently and effectively in service to our community,” the foundation’s website states.
Quarryville is located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.